One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, single-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs and caramelized sweet potatoes in a fragrant paprika-infused sauce. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1.5 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, pour in 1 cup chicken broth, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover with lid, and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are tender.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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